vetiver

American  

[vet-uh-ver] / ˈvɛt ə vər /

noun

1. the long, fibrous, aromatic roots of an East Indian grass, Vetiveria zizanioides, used for making hangings and screens and yielding an oil used in perfumery.

2. Also called khus-khus.  the grass itself.

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vetiver British  

/ ˈvɛtɪvə /

noun

1. a tall hairless grass, Vetiveria zizanioides, of tropical and subtropical Asia, having aromatic roots and stiff long narrow ornamental leaves

2. the root of this plant used for making screens, mats, etc, and yielding a fragrant oil used in perfumery, medicine, etc

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Etymology

Origin of vetiver

First recorded in 1840–50, vetiver is from the Tamil word veṭṭivēr

Example Sentences

The Aire Sutileza Elixir is floral, fresh and earthy, featuring notes of pear, lemon, jasmine sambac, vetiver, sandalwood and musk.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

"Maintaining healthy soil is crucial," says Boggiss, who notes that the Tongan family farmers from whom Heilala sources have recently planted windbreaks of Pacific kauri trees and vetiver grass to prevent soil erosion.

From Salon • Sep. 11, 2023

They are planting vetiver grass to keep floodwaters at bay.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2023

Madagascar’s Marie Alexandrine Rasoanantenaina constructs delicate, nest-like baskets of vetiver, a wild grass.

From Washington Post • Dec. 9, 2022

Her tousled smoky-blue hair—the color of a faded November sky streaked with clouds—smelled like honey, fig, and vetiver.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner